Employee Rewards: who would you rather work for – Amazon or Apple? (2024)

Amazon and Apple are both among the most admired companies in the world. However, feedback from employees on Glassdoor.com suggests that both have historically somewhat struggled withemployee engagement– which can cause a wholerange of issues. The courses of action they have taken to address this through reward and recognition have been different.

So which approach to employee rewardsis right?

Apple
Apple believes especially in offering employee rewards for independent thinking. The company compensates its executives by giving them a bonus of 3 to 5 percent of salary. Last year according to media reports, Apple gave out restricted stock units to a majority of its more than 100,000 employees.

Apple also gives discounts on its range of products to further boost motivation, not to mention retail staff’s ability to sell the products. Furthermore, Apple doesn’t just reward work within the company. It also rewards volunteering. The company’s new donation-matching programme, for example, is being rolled out to all employees.

Employees say they find it rewarding that they aren’t micromanaged – a tone Steve Jobs himself set when he gave his team their mission “to create a phone that people would love so much that they would never leave the house without it.”

Perhaps Apple’s greatest achievement is that they have created a feeling that the work itself is rewarding.

‘It’s a company that when you sign on you’re getting to be a part of something larger, you’re getting to be a part of pioneers that are actually making a difference in people’s lives,’says Business Manager John.

‘I think what Apple gives the employee is the opportunity to be part of something really, really meaningful,’ says Joel, Vice President of Human Resources.

Amazon
Amazon believes in taking a long-term approach to employee rewards. Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos set out his vision in the company’s first ever letter to shareholders, when the company went public back in 1997. The letter’s main point is that we can’t realise our potential as people or as companies unless we plan for the long-term. This is still the company’s philosophy today, illustrated by the fact that this letter has been included in every subsequent annual report.

While Amazon gives its employees – or Amazonians as they are known – the usual benefits, as well as discounts on Amazon purchases, the company prefers to reward employees with long-term stock options rather than cash.

Bezos explains his logic in the 1997 letter:“We know our success will be largely affected by our ability to attract and retain a motivated employee base, each of whom must think like, and therefore must actually be, an owner.”

Here’s the catch – stock options only turn into a reward if the employee stays more than two to five years.

Amazon is also pioneering new programmes for employees who have undertaken one year of continuous service, such as Career Choice. The company pre-pays 95% of tuition for courses that teach in-demand skills, regardless of whether those skills are relevant to a career at Amazon. Does this ‘reward’ actually encourage people to leave, rather than stay at the company?

As an article inBuzzfeedrecently pointed out,“A revolving door. Churn and burn. An overwhelming need for new bodies… These are all phrases that have been used to describe Amazon’s high turnover rate and fast-and-loose corporate culture.”

Several comments on Glassdoor.com suggest a harsh corporate culture with high employee turnover. A current Senior Product Manager based in Seattle advises management to“treat employees as well as you treat your customers and you’d be better off”.

However, the same employee also states that“Amazon is an excellent place to work if you…enjoy a fast paced and rewarding career with excellent upside potential. I like it how performance is rewarded with increased responsibilities and stock based awards.”

Defining your reward & recognition strategy
Whether you believe that Apple is right, or Amazon with its longer-term approach, it is important to define yourreward and recognition strategy. Nowadays it’s easier as more and more companies buy in areward and recognition programme. If you do this, the programme should be company-branded, tailored so that it reflects internal processes and markets, flexible and easy to use.

Companies need to develop programmesto keep employees engaged and motivated so that they can help deliver the strategic goals. In this regard, we can all learn something from both Apple and Amazon – even if we decide tostart with more simplesteps to drive engagement.

Which approach do you think is correct? Should employers reward as successes are achieved?

Or should they wait and reward loyalty? Simply download Xexec’s free Recognition e-Book to find out more.

Employee Rewards: who would you rather work for – Amazon or Apple? (2024)

FAQs

What kind of rewards employees prefer the most? ›

6 Types of Employee Recognition and Rewards Programs That Really...
  • Contests and gamification.
  • Points systems.
  • Rewarding top drivers of success.
  • Public recognition.
  • Gifts and bonuses.
  • Peer-to-peer recognition.
25 Nov 2020

How does Apple reward their employees? ›

Employees at Apple get discounts on products for them and their families, while they also get discounted stock purchase options. The product or service you offer should be offered at a discounted rate where possible to the employees who work hard on making it a success.

What is the best reward for employee recognition? ›

Here are 9 low-cost ways to reward employees:
  • Express thanks with a public thank you. ...
  • Give a hand-written note. ...
  • Offer time off. ...
  • Give small gifts. ...
  • Cover commuting costs. ...
  • Offer chair massages. ...
  • Feature top employees on your company blog or newsletter. ...
  • Schedule an all-company activity.

What are the rewards that employees want? ›

The top three incentives are cash, gifts and experiences. Some examples of gifts are electronics, ride-share credit and gift cards. Experiences include perks like tickets to concerts, festivals and sporting events. Your rewards must excite employees.

What are five examples of rewards? ›

36+ Employee Reward Examples and Ideas for Remote Teams
  • Offer Varied Work Schedule. ...
  • Invest in Their Professional Development. ...
  • Give Out Company Swag. ...
  • Encourage Peer-to-Peer Recognition. ...
  • Leave a Thank-You Note in the Mail. ...
  • Write a LinkedIn Recommendation. ...
  • Give a Gym Subscription. ...
  • Give Time Off for Personal Development.

Does Apple have good employee benefits? ›

Health and Wellness

Apple employees enjoy excellent health insurance, with both dental and vision coverage.

What incentives does Apple offer their employees? ›

Apple offers RRSP matching, 401k plans, and different kinds of income protection. Depending on your seniority, they match up to the first six percent of your base pay in a 401k plan. They have an Employee Stock Purchase Program to secure your future finances, and you might also qualify for stock grants.

Does Apple have a reward system? ›

Apple Card gives you unlimited 3% Daily Cash back on everything you buy at Apple — whether it's a new Mac, an iPhone case, games from the App Store, or even a service like Apple Music or Apple TV+.

How do you reward good employee performance? ›

Here are some creative ways to reward employees for good performance:
  1. Align rewards with performance. ...
  2. Provide unique rewards. ...
  3. Recognize major and minor achievements. ...
  4. Reward teamwork. ...
  5. Offer personalized and specific recognition. ...
  6. Invest in professional and personal development. ...
  7. Donate to a charity or cause. ...
  8. Create fun surprises.

How do you reward and motivate employees? ›

14 Highly Effective Ways to Motivate Employees
  1. Gamify and Incentivize. ...
  2. Let Them Know You Trust Them. ...
  3. Set Smaller Weekly Goals. ...
  4. Give Your Employees Purpose. ...
  5. Radiate Positivity. ...
  6. Be Transparent. ...
  7. Motivate Individuals Rather Than the Team. ...
  8. Learn What Makes Each Employee Tick.
17 Nov 2015

What are 5 examples of rewards you give to team members for their effort contributions and or achievements? ›

Five easy ways to reward your team
  • Say thank you. The simplest thing you can do is to say thank you. ...
  • A treat. Give people the occasional treat. ...
  • Time Off. For some people free time could be the most valuable gift you could give them. ...
  • Prizes. ...
  • 5. Development opportunities.
25 Feb 2013

What are the three main ways of rewarding employees? ›

The 3 Key Types Of Rewards
  • Intrinsic rewards: Rewards that are non-tangible but results in higher levels of job satisfaction. ...
  • Extrinsic rewards: Tangible rewards that staff receive upon doing a good job. ...
  • Financial rewards: Positively adding to the overall employees' financial status.
24 Dec 2020

What are the 2 types of rewards and give each an example? ›

Intrinsic versus Extrinsic Rewards

Some examples are- an impressive job title, career growth, personal achievements, praises, etc. Extrinsic rewards are tangible rewards that employees receive upon doing good work. It includes bonuses, raises, gifts, etc. Intrinsic rewards make employees feel valued in a company.

What are the four main types of rewards? ›

4 types of employee reward systems
  • Monetary. You can create a reward system based on monetary compensation, like a bonus. ...
  • Non-monetary. For teams that prefer perks other than bonuses, a non-monetary rewards system may help motivate them. ...
  • Assistance. ...
  • Recognition.
3 Jan 2022

What are the most common types of rewards? ›

There are two types of rewards—tangible and intangible. Tangible rewards are money, vacations, and material objects. The best way to use money as a reward is to give a specific amount as a bonus directly related to the performance of a task or the achievement of a goal.

What are the top 3 benefits employees want most? ›

Most Desirable Benefits According to Employees

If you want your benefits package to remain competitive, you'll want to offer health insurance, some disability and life insurance, and probably a retirement plan, such as a 401(k).

What are the top 3 most sought after employee benefits? ›

The most sought-after employee benefits are:
  • Remote work. While Covid has made remote work a necessity, there are benefits for employers and employees alike. ...
  • Healthcare. ...
  • Paid time off. ...
  • Flexible hours. ...
  • Paid family leave. ...
  • Four-day work week. ...
  • Free food in the office. ...
  • Student loan assistance.

What is the best thing about working at Apple? ›

The biggest perk of working at Apple, at least based on the number of reviews that mentioned it, is a feeling that your work really matters and has an impact on the world. We saw this point made in dozens of reviews from current and former Apple employees from departments throughout the company.

Is Apple the best company to work for? ›

13, and Apple at No. 14 — but were not included in the list of 50 companies for 2022. It's not the first ranking the tech giants have fallen in this year, either: Meta and Apple both dropped more than 20 spots on Glassdoor's annual ranking of the best places to work in the U.S., from No. 11 to No.

What qualities does Apple look for in employees? ›

He shared four qualities that Apple looks for in a candidate - Collaboration, creativity, curiosity and expertise. “We have a group of people in the company that really want to change the world, that want to enrich people's lives, that want to leave the world better than they found it,” he said, as quoted by Fortune.

Does Apple treat their employees well? ›

But despite the long hours of hard work, many Apple employees seem to think the pros outweigh the cons. Based on hundreds of reviews on Glassdoor and a few Quora posts written by former employees, it sounds like Apple treats its employees extremely well. Here's a look at why people love working at Apple.

Do Apple employees get free stuff? ›

4. Apple employees get $500 store credit every 2 years. On top of the 25% off all the time employee discount, Apple employees also get a $500 store credit every two years. You can use this credit on anything you want — there are no product restrictions.

Does Apple give joining bonus? ›

Apple Signing Bonus

Many Apple offer letters don't include a signing bonus by default. It's a common recruiter trick to leave it out of the initial job offer. For most technical roles at Apple, it is possible to negotiate a higher signing bonus even if it's not in your initial offer.

How do I maximize my Apple reward points? ›

To maximize your rewards, make sure to use Apple Pay for as many purchases as possible. That way, you'll automatically earn 2 percent cash back on most purchases. Make sure you also use your Apple Card with Apple Pay at eligible merchants so you earn 3 percent cash back.

What are the 3 simple secrets in motivating employees? ›

As he describes them: "Autonomy: the urge to direct our own lives. Mastery: the desire to get better and better at something that matters. Purpose: the yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves."

What type of recognition motivates you the most? ›

Personal recognition strengthens the bond between the recognizer and employee being recognized. An Aon Hewitt survey of millennials found that they are most satisfied when recognized with thank you notes and verbal thank-yous. The best part? Personalized recognition is easy to achieve.

Why it is important to reward an employee for good performance? ›

Rewarding and recognizing employees leads to greater employee engagement, which increases retention and helps create a more positive overall workplace. Incorporating a rewards and recognition program helps increase employee engagement, leading to many benefits for the company, like increased productivity and retention.

How do you reward employees fairly? ›

10 Great Ways to Reward Employees Fairly
  1. Pay The Living Wage. ...
  2. Create a Transparent Reward System. ...
  3. Avoid Favouritism. ...
  4. Recognise Top Performers. ...
  5. Pay Bonuses Fast. ...
  6. Reward Teamwork. ...
  7. Ensure Equal Opportunities. ...
  8. Run Regular Competitions.
22 Jan 2016

Do you have an example of when you motivated your staff using a reward? ›

Reward systems that include a combination of cash and non-monetary rewards as well as social awards (e.g. recognition and praise) have the greatest impact on employee performance. Pay cash bonuses in a lump sum to maximize their effect as money only motivates when it is a significant amount.

What types of rewards are motivating? ›

There are two general types of rewards that motivate people: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is internal to the person and is driven by personal interest or enjoyment in the work itself. Because intrinsic motivation exists within the individual, achieving it does not depend on others.

Why do rewards motivate employees? ›

Employee rewards work

When employees are rewarded, they feel like they trust their employer and feel supported — and that's powerful. Building trust between employees and employers is critical in well-being and engagement programs, and in the workplace as a whole.

How would you reward employees for exceeding your expectations? ›

Here are five great ways to reward and recognize your hard working employees:
  • Praise. The most overt way of rewarding employees is by praising them for the work they've done. ...
  • Awards. ...
  • Flexibility. ...
  • Visibility. ...
  • Responsibility.
18 Nov 2015

What are 2 ways that you can provide recognition and rewards for team achievements? ›

To build high morale all year long, try these methods of employee recognition and rewards to motivate your team:
  • Use a leaderboard for posting sales representatives' performance. ...
  • Create a team trophy or another symbol for high performers. ...
  • Provide rewards suitable to team members' interests and personalities.

What can be done to make rewards more attractive for you answer? ›

5 ways to make your reward programme more effective
  • Make your rewards suit everyone in your diverse workplace. ...
  • Get creative with how your rewards program works! ...
  • Use data! ...
  • Communicate rewards effectively.
2 Dec 2019

What are the 4 types of reward systems? ›

Types of reward scheme
  • Piecework schemes. Under Piecework schemes, a price is paid for each unit of output. ...
  • Individual performance-related pay schemes. ...
  • Group-related performance-related pay schemes. ...
  • Knowledge contingent pay. ...
  • Commissions. ...
  • Profit-related pay. ...
  • Stock option plans.

Which is the most commonly used rewards in organizations? ›

What is the most commonly used reward in organizations? Money because it can help needs get met.

What is reward and its examples? ›

Rewards acts as motivator for employees. The three important factors are: Compensation: Compensation is the most important and tangible mean of reward. It includes salary, bonus, benefit packages, perquisites, insurance, pension plan, stock-options and grants, deferred income, and so forth.

What are the three types of reward? ›

The 3 Key Types Of Rewards
  • Intrinsic rewards: Rewards that are non-tangible but results in higher levels of job satisfaction. ...
  • Extrinsic rewards: Tangible rewards that staff receive upon doing a good job. ...
  • Financial rewards: Positively adding to the overall employees' financial status.
24 Dec 2020

What is more important reward or recognition Why? ›

This not only highlights the importance of employee recognition, but it also outlines one of our basic needs as an employee and human beings. Appreciation is certainly an essential human need that should never be discounted, as employees will respond positively to any sort of appreciation that comes their way.

What kind of rewards are most satisfying to you? ›

What kinds of rewards are most satisfying to you?
  • Respect and acknowledgement.
  • Promotion.
  • Salary increase.
  • Growth opportunity.
27 May 2014

What is employee reward and recognition? ›

Reward and recognition in the workplace is a system where people are acknowledged for their engagement in intrinsic or extrinsic ways. Recognition and reward are present in a work environment where there are appropriate acknowledgement and appreciation of employees' efforts in a fair and timely manner.

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